Easter was celebrated with great splendor and deep religious devotion in Ayia Napa this year. Crowds of believers, locals and foreign visitors flooded the Holy Church of Panagia Ayia Napa and the chapel of Agia Anna throughout Holy Week for the Passion and Resurrection services, as well as the courtyard of the Church of Panagia Ayia Napa where the Easter Monday festive program was held for the first time, living a unique experience of faith and tradition.
Specifically, on Good Friday, the Epitaph procession took place both in the Church of Panagia Agia Napa and in the Chapel of Agia Anna. The procession crossed the streets of the city, accompanied by the Band of the Municipal District and the Church of Panagia Agia Napa, as well as the Choir, which performed “Geneai Passai” with emotion.
On Holy Saturday, before the Easter Liturgy and during the lighting of the traditional Lambratzia and the burning of Judas, the Deputy Mayor of the Ayia Napa Municipal District, Mr. Antonis Christou, together with a group of residents, revived a unique local custom of the area, the so-called “vitses”. Branches from the spurtoulla plant are placed in the fire for a few seconds and then hit hard on the ground, causing characteristic sounds of a small explosion – an impressive custom that remains alive only in Ayia Napa.
On the night of Easter, thousands of believers and visitors gathered in the Central Square, in the courtyard of the chapel of Agia Anna, creating an inseparable unity. With candles lit, they all sang "Christ is Risen" together with the priests, experiencing a unique atmosphere of unity, faith and hope.
On Easter Monday, the event, which was crowned with great success, attracting a large crowd with strong youth participation, began with traditional Easter games, such as sack races, egg races and tug-of-war, in which young and old participated with great enthusiasm in traditional Easter games, such as sack races, egg races and tug-of-war, with our well-known folk poet Ilias Hatzimichael in the role of presenter. At the same time, the Children's Easter Corner offered creative activities to children with handmade crafts, painting, inflatable igloos, balloon construction and competitions, while the Ayia Napa Athletic Club (AOAN) grilled souvlaki for sale.
After the traditional games, the Easter feast "Bright with Clarinet and Violin in the Courtyard of the Virgin Mary" followed, which included traditional songs and dances from every corner of Hellenism, presented by the Musical Group "Oi Las" and the Cultural Association "Anadysi", where those present danced and had fun with their souls, creating an authentic festive atmosphere.
During the event, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, in his brief greeting, warmly thanked everyone who honored the event with their presence, as well as all those who contributed in every way to its excellent organization.
"I want to thank from the bottom of my heart everyone who stood by us to make this beautiful event a reality - a different approach to the celebration of Easter, in a special place, with spiritual and historical value, such as the courtyard of the Virgin Mary."
He extended special thanks to the Deputy Mayor of the Ayia Napa Municipality, Mr. Antonis Christou, who embraced this idea from the very beginning and worked passionately for its implementation. At the same time, he congratulated the youth of Ayia Napa who stood by the Deputy Mayor with enthusiasm, creativity and a true willingness to contribute, and whose presence was decisive for the very good result.
He also thanked the youth of all the Municipal Districts of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, who, as he mentioned, collaborated in an exemplary manner on Holy Saturday during the lighting of the Lambratzia. “Everything went smoothly, without any undesirable situations, and this proves that in a climate of cooperation and culture, we can all move forward,” concluded Mr. Zannettou.
For his part, the Deputy Mayor of the Ayia Napa Municipality, Mr. Antonis Christou, said that "the courtyard of the Virgin Mary, hosting the Easter event, has acquired a new, vibrant character today." He warmly thanked everyone who responded with enthusiasm and supported this effort with so much love.
